How Marketing Made L.A.
In the early 20th century, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce started marketing L.A as an earthquake-free alternative to San Francisco.
Is There a Place in Public History for Sacco and Vanzetti?
How Boston has marked the controversial trial and alleged crimes of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, Italian immigrants executed for murder.
Little People on TV: Educational or Exploitative?
Little people have been used for entertainment purposes in royal courts from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe. But can this be more than exploitative?
The Many Meanings of Marilyn Monroe
The life, times and image of Monroe has been expounded upon tirelessly in the decades after her tragic death at age 36.
The Strange History of Masons in America
Often the subject of conspiracy theories, Masons captured the allegiance of much of the early American elite.
When Jimmy Hoffa Vanished, He Took Union Strength With Him
The July 30, 1975, disappearance of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa sparked public fascination because he was an important cog in the nation's economy.
John Calvin: The Religious Reformer Who Influenced Capitalism
Both the blame and the credit for capitalism has often been placed at the feet of a 16th-century Christian theologian named John Calvin.
How P.T. Barnum Gave The Public What It Wanted
P.T. Barnum, born July 5, 1810, was "the first great advertising genius and the greatest publicity exploiter the world has ever known."
The Unexpected Impact of James Garfield’s Assassination
On July 2, 1881, less than a year after President James Garfield was elected the 20th president of the United States, he was shot by Charles Guiteau.
Does Political Violence Generate Real Change?
U.S. law prohibits American leaders from assassinating their counterparts in other nations. But targeted assassination has long been a part of history.